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Students at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky, recently experienced a unique and eye-opening assembly, facilitated by DistrictWON, and led by the U.S. Coast Guard. Operations Specialist First Class (OS1) Kristen Goldsmith visited the campus to speak with students in grades 9 through 12, meeting with all Physical Education classes throughout the day. The result? A memorable and meaningful break from the typical school routine that left many students talking.
“The kids really enjoyed the visit and the break from the regular class,” said Joseph Scheper, Athletic Director at Eastern High School. “They were all engaged and following directions. Many students were talking about it afterward and seemed genuinely interested in what they heard.”
OS1 Goldsmith shared stories from her 14-year career, offering students a firsthand look into the world of the Coast Guard.
“I joined on a bit of a whim,” she admitted. “I was looking for a meaningful career path, and something about the Coast Guard just felt right. Fast forward over a decade, and I haven’t looked back.”
Goldsmith serves as an Operations Specialist, essentially a marine version of a 911 dispatcher. She has helped save lives, intercepted illegal drug shipments, and participated in high-risk rescue missions in places like the Bering Sea.
“It’s been one incredible adventure after another,” she said. “And I’m proud of the difference I’ve made.”
One of the key goals of the assembly was to raise awareness about the Coast Guard, especially in areas like Kentucky where its presence isn’t widely known.
“You’d be surprised how many people in this region have never even heard of the Coast Guard,” Goldsmith noted. “That’s why high school partnerships like this one are so important, they help us break through that invisibility.”
Students were especially surprised to learn that strong swimming skills aren’t a requirement for most Coast Guard roles.
“If you find yourself in the water on the job… something’s gone terribly wrong,” Goldsmith joked. “We work on boats, not in the ocean!”
Scheper praised the assembly’s value: “I think it’s great for kids to experience all the options they have for their future. Exposure to different paths, especially those that promote leadership and service, is incredibly important.”
For students unsure about joining the Coast Guard, Goldsmith offered reassurance:
“You don’t have to be a superhero to join. You just need heart, hustle, and a willingness to learn. Talk to a recruiter, ask questions, you might discover the adventure of a lifetime.”
Thanks to the visit from OS1 Goldsmith, students at Eastern High left with a new appreciation for service, leadership, and the endless possibilities that come with stepping outside their comfort zones.